Well, it’s late as hell, but here’s the new comic. I still consider this to be one of my two this week, even though technically it’s Monday. Screw that. Contiguous time awake counts, not the vagaries of the Earth’s rotation. Regardless of timing, this one was brute to get done-what with the workload I’m dealing with these days. But your not here to listen to me moan, are you? You want dish.
The process I go through to get this strip done twice a week is slowly evolving, hopefully in a direction that allows me to get them finished a little faster. I’m definitely slinging a lot more ink than I was in the early days, and that’s affecting the time it takes to get a new strip through the door. I wouldn’t have it any other way, but today I inked right on the lightbox instead of doing a full trace of the rough onto my good paper the way I have been doing. It’s not ideal, as my lightbox is about the size of a postage stamp, but it still cuts a step out of the process. More likely than not I’ll just used the time saved to pop in one or two more details. Oh well, at least I’m enjoying myself, right?
Also, you probably noticed that my beautifully rendered hand lettering is absent this strip. Meaning, you can actually read it. For the time being, it’s going to stay that way. My lettering has always been the weakest part of the strip, and while it’s definitely gotten better since the first strip, it’s still not very good. For the sake of readability and also helping me create a better written strip I’ve made the switch to this blambot font. It’s not offensive, It doesn’t interfere with my drawing style, and most of all, you can read it without squinting at your monitor like a star nosed mole.
You. Reading my chicken scratches. Because, you know, moles are blind or something.
I’m still hand lettering all of the strips for the practice, and hopefully will one day be able to actually go back to it. but until then, enjoy actually being able to read what I write.
But whatever, maybe you like the old style. Well, SPEAK UP. Make yourself heard. Comment!
Later,
J
I’m speaking up! I love the old lettering. I never thought it was week. Hell, look at my lettering dude, it’s like a 6 year-old’s compared to yours. I really liked it. However, if this font means more Billy updates, then go for it. I know how long lettering can take up in the drawing time allotted.
By the way, I love how you are setting this up. Nice long pull back and teaser panel. PERFECT for this time of year.
Oh, and my new strip (Tuesday’s) will be up on Wednesday…So, I’m having the same problem with my tri-weekly (meaning three times a week) strip. Hopefully I’ll get a buffer back soon…
Agree with Sam. I thought your own lettering had a similar feel to the comic art itself and they worked so well together. I find this font slightly jarring, but hey…if it’s to meet a deadline, it’s better than no strip at all!